National flour recall widened over further E. coli fears

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has broadened a national flour recall over further fears of E. coli contamination.

The initial recall issued on March 28 applied only to Robin Hood flour sold in four provinces in Western Canada. The inspection agency extended the recall countrywide a week later.

On Wednesday, CFIA widened the recall to include products sold under the Brodie, Creative Baker and Golden Temple brands, as well as Robin Hood.

"Ardent Mills is recalling various brands of flour and flour products due to possible E. coli O121 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products," reads the recall notice on the CFIA website.

According to CFIA, the recall was triggered during its investigation into a food-borne illness outbreak. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store.

At least 26 people across Canada have been infected with the dangerous bacteria. Two Alberta law firms announced this week they were filing a class-action lawsuit on behalf of people who bought or consumed Robin Hood flour and became ill.

The CFIA is advising Canadians not to eat or use any recalled flour or flour products included in the updated food recall warning. It is unsafe to taste or eat raw dough or batter regardless of the type of flour used, it warned, as raw flour can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea.

For more information on the recall, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.